My 2017 Turd and Screwed by Toyota!

I am on a lot of different automotive forums ( I have too many cars ), and even the Jeep Wrangler forums do not have a White Knight/User ratio like here.

There are a large number who seem to take it as a personal attack when anything derogatory is mentioned about the Tacoma, and will spring to its defense with keyboards blazing.

 

Nissan has had a cross contamination issue going on with the v6 engine for a lot of years, a diffective radiator pours coolant into the trans and ruins the trans its a $4000+ fix, this has been a symptomatic issue for Nissan Frontiers since they were put on the market

 

It's because of the passion--who ever got passionate over a Jeep Wrangler?

It's a Chrysler...

 

Oh, they have their passionate members too

Just not so many who take it to the point of absurdity.

 

This was resolved in the 2010 model year.

Any fears can be resolved by adding a separate trans cooler, which is not a bad idea anyway if you plan to tow.

 

The cross contamination issue got fixed in 2010. It's actually one of the most proven and reliable mid-sized trucks out there right now.

 

Probably THE most proven and reliable midsize out there right now.

In actuality, it's probably the only real midsize as everyone else got wider.

The Frontier is still only ~72" wide whereas the Tacoma and Canyorado twins are around 75".

 

Now I am getting thisclose to just buying a Frontier Pro4X.[/QUOTE]


I'd be interested to know how you like it. From what I hear from those in the auto business, the quality at Nissan is in the pits for sometime now.

 

In a word no. Your post is incorrect. Nissan had a problem with the cross contamination The issue was for 2005-2010 model years. Not much from 2011-2017 Frontiers.

I am not saying that none have occurred in a Frontier since 2010. Any vehicle with cooler integrated with the radiator can have failures. The design change pretty much eliminated the issue to a few manufacture defect. It is the rate of failure that is important.

 

The Frontier has to be close to the Honda RL in terms of boring looking.

 

I respect everything you say. I know buying my taco wasn't a good financial decision.

Paid $36k out the door with $10k down. That is 60% of my annual income($60k) which is a big no no to every finance guru out there( Dave Ramsey, Mr. Money Mustache, etc.).

I wanted a Tacoma since I was in high school and it's my dream truck so I planning on keeping it for a long time.

I'm young so I'll bounce back from this big impulsive buy.

 

At this point I am not sure if I will get it or just wait a while longer since I currently have a pickup.

Terrific deals are available on them right now with thousands off the sticker, and the ones I have driven had much more low end torque than the Tacoma plus a better shifting transmission (clutch leg injury precludes manual trans option)

I just don't find them as appealing looking as the Tacoma, though they are indeed growing on me.

While the interior is not as modern looking as the Tacoma, power seats for driver and passenger make them more comfortable for me.

First world problems and decisions

 

The power seat is a big plus--Taco should have it as an option. The seat sucks for sure.

 

Normally, I'm not very chatty...I like pictures. And crayons, they taste good...but I'm going to make an exception for this one...

This bolder statement by aero is probably the most poignant advice. Mistake $$$ are less painful when you maximize the use of the positive aspects of the mistake.

And aero is further correct in the 15,20 year prediction...because it absolutely can be a 15,20 yr buggy. Take care of it, use the warranty to full effect, keep on top of stuff and maybe, at the end of the day you'll have the best modded stock truck in your area.

Then, the nostalgia settles in to the people what had an awesome one back in their youth...and pine at the fact that "life kicked in" and they had to sell it for whatever reason but it was that ONE vehicle that they regret selling the most...and had to buy a minivan, or ridgeline...synonymous

Here's where the 15,20 year plan for you kicks in.

1st you maximize (stretch) the good dollars you spent...(too much, but not all bad $$)

2nd if you catalog your documentation records (with dealer and Toyota corp) and maintenance records you will have moucho new parts on toyotas dime, in stock original form. They might even beg you to lemon law it, if it costs them so much.

3rd about year 15, the 3rd gen story will be well played out. It will be measured and judged accordingly. But I predict it will carry the same reverence as the 2nd gen, the 1st gen, the DX, and all other Toyota Truck offerings. Why do I say that, you may ask?....


I like survivors. That's my second 3rd gen T4R. First one taken out by the dreaded pink milkshake. Imagine the fallout if the internet was as vital back then as it is now eh? But, I hunted down another one last November that was single owner, dealer maintained. Bought it. It's 17 yrs old completely stock. I chased it for 18 months before he sold it to me.

But it's my 3rd T4R...first was 1st gen 1985 straight axle. Sold it cuz I thought I was becoming more refined and bought a 1993 Exploder...


Ya, that happened! And to this day I'm searching for a replacement 1st gen T4R straight axle 22re MT...prolly ain't gonna happen. Although just this week another poster this week posted a pick of his new truck at the dealer, and stashed behind that shiny new truck was a beauty 1st gen T4R in the same colour as my 86. So, there is hope

So...I agree with aero90. Keep the truck and ride it out. You didn't go wrong buying the brand, you just spent unwisely, and maybe got one built on a Monday

Unless you wanna lose more money...

I'll go back to pictures now

Hope all works out better for you.

 

So what's your money guys magic numbers?

 

Spending 15% of your monthly income on transportation is the magic number for my standards. Includes car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance.

My transportation exspenses is $650-700 a month depending on how much I spend on gas.

 

And toyotas

 

I am sure you will--I did from the Dodge Charger Daytona (440 "6-pack") I bought in 1969...

 

The 20/4/10 rule is what most budgets go after.

Basically boils down to minimum 20% down payment, 4 years maximum for the loan, and total vehicle expense no more than 10% of your gross monthly income.

That said, there are MANY who are FAR outside of these guidelines so YMMV for sure.

Depending on your personal financial situation you may be able to stretch these boundaries a bit but they are a good guideline to keep you from being poor due to a vehicle that is more than you can realistically afford.

The dealer will assure you that these numbers are too conservative, because after all, you work hard and you deserve that new car.

Remember that the salesman does not have your best interests in mind, he has his paycheck in mind.

 

I'm gonna need a raise for my dream machine.